It was announced today that Michael Douglas will join the Stand up to Cancer special via a taped segment.
CNN noted that he will join previously announced stars Reese Witherspoon, Sofia Vergara, Christina Applegate, Michael C. Hall, Jim Parsons, Gabrielle Union, Seth MacFarlane, David Boreanaz and Mandy Moore for the program.
What are the treatment options and prognosis for Douglas?
MayoClinic.com tells us that for anyone with throat cancer: "Your treatment options are based on many factors, such as the location and stage of your throat cancer, the type of cells involved, your overall health, and your personal preferences. Discuss the benefits and risks of each of your options with your doctor. Together you can determine what treatments will be most appropriate for you."
As for his prognosis -- it is looking good
She noted: "Dr. Robert Haddad, an oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, who is not involved in Douglas's care, says this kind of cancer generally responds well to the grueling combination of radiation and chemotherapy.
"Douglas found out he had throat cancer in early August after experiencing throat and ear pain.
"During the months of treatment that lie ahead, Douglas may have to be fed through a tube, as swallowing will be difficult, says Haddad. Many patients develop severe mouth sores and need strong pain medications - even narcotics, like morphine - to get through it. The side effects of radiation can last for months after treatment.
"But the smart money is on a full recovery. Douglas's wife, actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, 40, told People that "if there's anything Michael has, it's strength."
For those with throat cancer two lifestyle changes are strongly recommended:
Quit smoking
Throat cancers are closely linked to smoking. Not everyone with throat cancer smokes. But if you do smoke, now is the time to stop because:
Quit drinking alcohol
Alcohol, particularly when combined with smoking or chewing tobacco, greatly increases the risk of throat cancer and may further interfere with treatment.
Rita Watson, MPH, is a medical writer who attended Yale School of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health
Copyright 2010 Rita Watson/ All Rights Reserved
Comments
Sorry to hear that he has cancer. I hope he survives.
I love Micheal Douglas and have for many years, he comes from fighting,strengthning gens, look at his dad "Master Kirk Douglas". My prayers are with him and his family. Hang in Mike GOD isn't through with you yet!!!!
I forgot to say, I Love You Mike, much love and blessing in your recovery!!!!!
A good friend recently died from the affects of throat cancer radiation. The doctors didn't bother to explain that the radiation would take away his ability to swallow. He had to be fed through a tube for the year that he survived and he had to fight constant respiratory infections because of the inability to swallow. The liguid diet caused him to loose so much weight, he just didn't have enough strength to fight off the infections. I hope that Michael Douglas is getting all the information he needs.
LOVE your post! My sentiments EXACTLY!!
There is so much misinformation out there, most of it, in my experience, from the multi-billion dollar Cancer Treatment Industry. As long as we take 100% responsibility for our health, we will always be educated to the truth and can never really be fooled. It is when we surrender that responsibility, along with basic common sense, especially to a profession that profits from our ignorance and our blind trust, that turns us more into CATTLE and less into EDUCATED CONSUMERS.
Dear Mr. Douglas - I tried getting in touch with you via Facebook, but to no avail. I will try and reach you through wonderful blogs such as these.
Using therapeutic-grade Essential Oils such as FRANKINCENSE, which have been found to have various cancer-fighting, immune system boosting properties, I have developed a strategy that I would like to detail for you that offers NO SIDE-EFFECTS, especially such as those described in this article. If you or any of your people are reading this, PLEASE contact me at holisticjoe@earthlink.net.
My motivation is that I AM A HUGE FAN, plus you can be a VOICE for MILLIONS who are needlessly suffering from cancer and the HORRENDOUS side-effects of chemo and radiation.
Thank you!!
- Holistic Joe
I thought these movie star people went to Mayo Clinics to have
a complete physical every year to get checked out for most dangerous
ailments. I'm hoping Michael Douglas will be fine. I've always liked him and
his family. God Bless you Michael you'll be back better then ever.
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